Do not suppose, however, that I intend to urge a diet of classics on anybody. I have seen such diets at work. I have known people who have actually read all, or almost all, the guaranteed Hundred Best Books. God save us from reading nothing but the best. Robertson Davies
There is no nonsense so gross that society will not, at some time, make a doctrine of it and defend it with every weapon of communal stupidity. Robertson Davies
We wanted to meet him, for though we were neither of us naive people we had not wholly lost our belief that it is delightful to meet artists who have given us pleasure. Robertson Davies
To be a book-collector is to combine the worst characteristics of a dope fiend with those of a miser. Robertson Davies
Their very conservatism is secondhand, and they don't know what they are conserving. Robertson Davies
Literary critics, however, frequently suffer from a curious belief that every author longs to extend the boundaries of literary art, wants to explore new dimensions of the human spirit, and if he doesn't, he should be ashamed of himself. Robertson Davies
Tristan and Isolde were lucky to die when they did. They'd have been sick of all that rubbish in a year. Robertson Davies
The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to the idealised past. Robertson Davies
The quality of what is said inevitably influences the way in which it is said, however inexperienced the writer. Robertson Davies
The drama may be called that part of theatrical art which lends itself most readily to intellectual discussion: what is left is theater. Robertson Davies
May I make a suggestion, hoping it is not an impertinence? Write it down: write down what you feel. It is sometimes a wonderful help in misery. Robertson Davies
Canada is not really a place where you are encouraged to have large spiritual adventures. Robertson Davies
The great book for you is the book that has the most to say to you at the moment when you are reading. I do not mean the book that is most instructive, but the book that feeds your spirit. And that depends on your age, your experience, your psychological and spiritual need. Robertson Davies
Every man is wise when attacked by a mad dog; fewer when pursued by a mad woman; only the wisest survive when attacked by a mad notion. Robertson Davies
The greatest gift that Oxford gives her sons is, I truly believe, a genial irreverence toward learning, and from that irreverence love may spring. Robertson Davies